Director of Quality Assurance at Columbia Sportswear Company

Portland, Oregon, United States

Apply Now

Not SpecifiedCompensation

Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Apparel, Sporting Goods, Consumer GoodsIndustries

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality Management, Consumer Science, or related field (Master’s preferred)
10+ years of experience in quality assurance within the consumer goods industry
Proven track record of improving consumer satisfaction through quality initiatives
Strong understanding of consumer behavior, product testing, and regulatory compliance
Excellent communication, leadership, and analytical skills
Experience with PLM, ERP, and quality management systems
Preferred: Experience with VOC (Voice of the Customer) programs and Net Promoter Score (NPS) strategies
Preferred: Background in human-centered design or consumer research
Preferred: Certifications such as Six Sigma, ISO 9001, or ASQ CQE

Responsibilities

Develop and lead a quality assurance strategy that aligns with brand values and enhances consumer experience across Brands and Sales Regions
Integrate consumer feedback, reviews, and return data into quality improvement initiatives
Champion a culture of quality that prioritizes consumer delight and loyalty
Oversee quality control processes across the product lifecycle—from design and development to manufacturing and post-launch
Define and enforce product performance standards that reflect real-world usage and consumer expectations
Partner with advanced innovation, product creation, and sourcing teams to ensure quality is built into product design and sourcing strategies
Work closely with marketing, customer service, and product creation to understand consumer sentiment and ensure quality standards reflect consumer needs
Lead cross-functional quality reviews and post-launch assessments to drive continuous improvement
Facilitate rapid responses to Quality issues and develop solutions that minimize lost sales and drive financial accountability for incurred losses
Establish KPIs and dashboards to monitor product quality, consumer satisfaction, and defect trends
Analyze consumer complaints, warranty claims, and social sentiment to identify systemic issues and opportunities in consumer right standards, product creation, and manufacturing
Ensure compliance with all relevant safety and regulatory standards for the markets we operate in
Lead risk assessments and mitigation strategies for new product launches and market expansions
Build and mentor a high-performing QA team focused on innovation, accountability, and consumer empathy
Foster a proactive, solution-oriented mindset across the organization

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Quality AssuranceConsumer InsightsProduct Lifecycle ManagementQuality ControlCross-Functional CollaborationStrategic PlanningData-Driven Decision MakingManufacturing OversightSourcing StrategyPerformance Standards

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What is the work arrangement for this role?

This is a hybrid role based out of the HQ office near Portland, Oregon, with the expectation to be in-office 3 days or more per week depending on business need, subject to change at business discretion.

What qualifications are required for the Director of Quality Assurance position?

Candidates need a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality Management, Consumer Science, or related field (Master’s preferred), plus 10+ years of experience in quality assurance within the consumer goods industry and a proven track record of improving consumer satisfaction through quality initiatives.

What is the salary or compensation for this position?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What kind of team leadership is expected in this role?

The role involves building and mentoring a high-performing QA team focused on innovation, accountability, and consumer empathy, while fostering a proactive, solution-oriented mindset across the organization.

What makes a strong candidate for this Director of Quality Assurance role?

A strong candidate has 10+ years in consumer goods QA, experience improving consumer satisfaction via quality initiatives, and the ability to integrate consumer insights into strategies while leading cross-functional teams.

Columbia Sportswear Company

Designs and sells outdoor apparel and gear

About Columbia Sportswear Company

Columbia Sportswear Company designs and sells a variety of outdoor clothing and gear, including jackets, shirts, pants, shorts, footwear, and accessories like hats and backpacks. Their products are aimed at outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, campers, and active individuals of all ages. Columbia's products are known for their quality and durability, setting them apart from competitors in the outdoor apparel market. The company operates through a direct-to-consumer model, selling via their website, retail stores, and partnerships with other retailers, which helps them reach a wide audience. Their goal is to provide high-quality outdoor gear that enhances the experience of those who enjoy outdoor activities.

Portland, OregonHeadquarters

1938Year Founded

$40KTotal Funding

IPOCompany Stage

Consumer GoodsIndustries

1,001-5,000Employees